The 2nd International Sociohydrology Conference in Tokyo, July 2025
Expanding and mainstreaming sociohydrology toward transdisciplinary
praxis
Sociohydrology has emerged as an interdisciplinary field that aims to holistically understand the complex interactions between humans and water, ultimately striving to build a sustainable relationship between the two. To achieve this goal, it is essential to promote collaboration among researchers and practitioners from diverse fields related to water—spanning both natural and social sciences. Over the past decade, sociohydrology has rapidly evolved into a key research area, gaining global momentum as researchers worldwide work together to advance the field.
In response to this growing international interest, the 1st International Sociohydrology Conference was held in 2021 at Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands, in a hybrid format. Despite the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference attracted more than 200 participants from around the world. Researchers presented their findings, and lively discussions took place, highlighting the importance of collaboration between hydrologists and social scientists. Building on this success, the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) has recently established the IAHS Human-Water Feedbacks Commission in 2023, further accelerating the continued development of sociohydrology.
The 2nd International Sociohydrology Conference, co-organized by the IAHS Human-Water Feedbacks Commission, will be held from July 19 to 21, 2025, in Tokyo, marking its first appearance in Asia. Under the theme of “Expanding and Mainstreaming Sociohydrology toward Transdisciplinary Praxis,” the conference will gather researchers and practitioners from around the world to explore innovative approaches for bridging science and practice in water-related fields. Central to this conference will be discussions on mainstreaming sociohydrology by designing and implementing effective management interventions, promoting participatory and just governance to empower local communities, understanding spatial heterogeneity in human-water interactions, and their cross-regional comparisons.
This conference will feature a variety of sessions and activities designed to foster interaction and knowledge exchange. Keynote speeches by leading experts will provide critical insights into the future direction of sociohydrology, while themed oral sessions and poster sessions will allow researchers to present their work across five sub-themes that address various aspects of human-water interactions, management, and governance. In conjunction with the conference, a special issue will be organized in the Frontiers in Water to invite contributions and publish full papers that reflect the themes and discussions of the event (see the “ Call for Papers ” page). We encourage active submissions from all participants.
In addition to these sessions, the conference will also include a synthesis session and panel discussions that highlight overarching themes and challenges, and lessons learned, and interdisciplinary perspectives on future directions for sociohydrology. Furthermore, Early Career Programs will be arranged to support and inspire the next generation of scholars, offering a platform for early-career researchers to present their work, receive mentorship, and engage with senior researchers.
This conference is expected to be a milestone event that will shape the future of sociohydrology, providing a platform to expand its real-world applications and societal impact. The unique venue in Tokyo offers an opportunity for participants to engage with sociohydrological challenges in an Asian context, where issues such as rapid urbanization, climate change impacts, and traditional water management practices come into play. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and field visits, participants will exchange insights, share case studies, and identify best practices, making this event a cornerstone for advancing sociohydrological research and practice globally.